For the first time in two decades, the Black Stars of Ghana will not grace the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) stage after a dismal campaign in the 2025 qualifiers. The team finished last in Group F with just three points, failing to secure a single win across six games.

Ghana’s poor showing—three draws and three losses—has sparked nationwide disappointment, with calls from fans and pundits for a complete overhaul of the team and its technical staff. Speaking candidly about the situation, the Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, acknowledged the substandard performance.

“Black Stars’ performance in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers was not good enough, and I admit that,” Asante Twum said during an interview on Joy FM’s News File.

Reflecting on key moments, Asante Twum highlighted the defeat against Angola and disappointing results against Sudan as pivotal. “In previous qualifiers, we would have secured qualification with a game or two to spare. This is not the Black Stars’ standard,” he lamented.

He also pointed out the challenges the team faced, including injuries and a lack of composure during crucial matches, which compounded their struggles.

The team’s inability to deliver has now placed head coach Otto Addo’s future in question. The GFA’s Executive Council is set to deliberate on his position in an upcoming meeting.

As the dust settles on the AFCON qualifiers, the Black Stars will shift focus to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, starting with games against Chad and Madagascar in March 2025. The road ahead will test the resilience of one of Africa’s most storied football nations.